i think this is pretty awesome

Woah.  Nice work GTFC.  Congrats all round.  So pleased with this.  Shows intent.

Excellent work Paul

Big Monday! Very pleased with this and just hope it works out for all involved. 16 games left to get the title and should it be the playoffs I hope Jolley can play the hero as was certainly the villain the 2013 campaign.

Good work, if Jolley is half the player that tore us a new one in the play offs two years ago then he'll be an asset. And Robertson has a good pedigree as well, should be solid enough.

The best news in this for me is signing a quality left-back, it'll therefore be good to see Magnay back on his favoured right side.  Getting Jolley is one heck of a bonus as well.   :)

On paper both look to be great signings.

For the last three seasons we've fallen flat on our faces with our January transfer dealings, hopefully this is the buck in the trend.

Delighted to have a natural left-back in the building as it means Magnay going back onto his natural side and brings some balance to the team.

Hurst the stone faced poker player strikes again ;D

That is excellent news. Delighted with this Mr Hurst (thumbup)

Something strange has happened to the hairs on the back of my neck!  ;)

Barnet, Grimsby are coming to get you. (And Kidderminster, Macclesfield, Bristol Rovers et al.)

If Palmer stays as well we can do it.

Now how the hell do I get out of work tomorrow, and get the missus to let me go to Eastleigh?

Great news! Now lets crack on and get that top spot.

I don't want to be negative but lets just take a step back, it does not matter what they have done in the past it is what they are going to do for GTFC in the coming months.

I remember all the posts about Mackreth how he was a great signing, one of the best wingers in the division, tore us a new when when we played Macclesfield etc etc etc but in reality he is not much of an improvement on Colbeck.

Lets hope they will greatly improve the squad and even maybe help us make a challenge for top spot.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

Barnet, Grimsby are coming to get you. (And Kidderminster, Macclesfield, Bristol Rovers et al.)

If Palmer stays as well we can do it.

Now how the hell do I get out of work tomorrow, and get the missus to let me go to Eastleigh?

1. start coughing now and say you are aching.....
2. when you get home just tell her

Shows great intent, now let's sign Palmer till the end of the season too please Mr Hurst!

Quoted from moosey_club

1. start coughing now and say you are aching.....
2. when you get home just tell her

simple, but brilliant

Sounds pretty good. Jolley should add a bit more pace and trickery to our attack and Robertson should restore balance to the defence and allow Magnay to get back into his best position. If he can also take a half-decent corner, all the better!

Two good signings .. lets  hope it aint too late  

interview is up
http://www.player.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/latest-news/article/4442449

[url=http://www.weareexiles.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36040]http://www.weareexiles.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36040[/url]

he sounds really positive, I really hope this is the turning point

I really hope Jolley plays his part in getting you promotion this season. Nobody in recent times is a bigger hero at Newport. I believe his recent (admittedly lengthy) barren patch is down to loss of confidence, rather than the residual effect of any injury.

Although he played as winger sometimes for Wimbledon, he never did so for us. He started up front in a 433, being more effective on the left than the right, but nonetheless being genuinely two-footed (primarily right-footed, really), with the ability to finish beautifully with either foot. Most of the time he played in a 352 (532, if you like). He certainly did so in the, ahem, 2012/13 playoffs. He's a striker, end of.

His last appearance for us, at home to Swindon in the JPT, saw him spend the last 15 minutes as a defensive midfielder, as we were chasing the game and had about eight forwards on. Don't ever play him there! (Although, to be fair, he worked his butt off in the role.)

Not that it matters, I suppose, but he also comes across a lovely bloke

Cherish him.

When did Jolley last play 90 mins?  I suspect he will be on the bench tomorrow night?

Squad looks strong now, I wonder if this will trigger a couple more moving on??

Quoted from NewportFan

I really hope Jolley plays his part in getting you promotion this season. Nobody in recent times is a bigger hero at Newport. I believe his recent (admittedly lengthy) barren patch is down to loss of confidence, rather than the residual effect of any injury.

Although he played as winger sometimes for Wimbledon, he never did so for us. He started up front in a 433, being more effective on the left than the right, but nonetheless being genuinely two-footed (primarily right-footed, really), with the ability to finish beautifully with either foot. Most of the time he played in a 352 (532, if you like). He certainly did so in the, ahem, 2012/13 playoffs. He's a striker, end of.

His last appearance for us, at home to Swindon in the JPT, saw him spend the last 15 minutes as a defensive midfielder, as we were chasing the game and had about eight forwards on. Don't ever play him there! (Although, to be fair, he worked his butt off in the role.)

Not that it matters, I suppose, but he also comes across a lovely bloke

Cherish him.

Thanks mate, much appreciated. We have a good team here already, we just need the consistency of performance and the options when we have injuries. Hurst now has a good problem, who to pick? JLL is on form, Ollie Palmer looks a menace, Arnold looking good and Pittman hitting form, hell, even Ross Hannah has scored again....what with that and Gregor Robertson freeing up Carl Magnay the Magnificent to go RB.....on paper it's looking great for the back end of the season. We need to hammer Eastleigh tomorrow for team spirits and then keep the caravan rolling. Hopefully see you chaps next season!

Great to have new bodies , who is it going  to be upset ?  Appears we have one or two long term injuries . Who's  going to get dropped ?   More selection problems ?  

Well done PH. Not one signing but two - Gregor was a well kept secret :)

Can't wait to see them playing and hope they fit into the team well.

Good stuff, we are now well prepared for the next month, with a run of tricky games coming up, which could possibly make or break the season.

Bring it on.

Well done to all at the Club - hopefully this is the final push towards our goal of Football League football.
Was really impressed with Jolley 2 years ago.

Just over a week ago was feeling quite down about Town waiting for exciting signings, us to finally play Gateshead in the Pointless trophy and fearful after the poor new year form.

Now saw us comfortably beat the league leaders, get out of the pointless trophy, get the business done against Nuneaton and make two excellent signings. Suddenly I feel promotion push is back on.  Hope this optimisim wont descend to more depression tommorow evening but first thoughts are great.  Don't really know about Gregor but seems to have a good rep and certainly liked Jolley as a player when he was at Newport against us, even if it was causing our own heartbreak.

Quoted from Maringer

Sounds pretty good. Jolley should add a bit more pace and trickery to our attack and Robertson should restore balance to the defence and allow Magnay to get back into his best position. If he can also take a half-decent corner, all the better!

This.

We done Town.

Yep, two two good wins, good signings and out of the damned Tinpot cup, all in less than a week !
Good stuff.

PRAISE DUE TO PAUL HURST AND TO JOHN FENTY IN BRINGING THESE TWO TO THE PARK

No excuses now for the big push to the season end - should fear no one and play up to no one - if Palmer stays as well, Christmas Day may move to the end of April !!!

3m 50 seconds.                                                                      9m 30 seconds & 11m 50 seconds.

[youtube]JHD6rmLavK4[/youtube] [youtube]-ckBHSNC8N4[/youtube]  

Well done Town. I really believe we now have best squad on paper in this league. Think Jolley will take a month or so to settle in but get him right for last 9 games he could well be the difference.

Paul Hurst gives himself a selection headache every January. He signs good players. I just hope he gets the balance right this season.

More thoughts on this topic - and these two signings - on my blog if you're interested. Feel free to disagree...

[url]http://wp.me/p1FK1u-eY[/url]

Matt Dannett from the Telewag is reporting that it might not be the end of our business today either.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I don't want to be negative but lets just take a step back, it does not matter what they have done in the past it is what they are going to do for GTFC in the coming months.

I remember all the posts about Mackreth how he was a great signing, one of the best wingers in the division, tore us a new when when we played Macclesfield etc etc etc but in reality he is not much of an improvement on Colbeck.

Lets hope they will greatly improve the squad and even maybe help us make a challenge for top spot.

I think you're being a bit harsh on Macreth mate. He's had a problem with his hamstring which had limited him until recently. I think over the last 6 weeks or so, he's looked the part and looks visibly quicker. I wish he'd come inside a bit more often but he looks good to me and he's started finding the net.

Re our signings today, I'm very pleased. Jolley's abilities are well documented, I think a new start will do him good and we can benefit. I do wonder if we will be going 4-3-3 though as that's how we'll get the best out of him.

Also delighted with the signing of Robertson who seems to have a decent pedigree. he's a good age (just turned 31), he's 6'1 which will help at both ends of the pitch and apparently takes a decent corner (should be a given for a pro! But as you all know it isn't). He's a natural left back with a left peg and was only released from his Northampton contract last week so presumably he'll be good to go fitness wise.

On paper great signings, let's kick on and win this league!

Quoted from Youngy

Matt Dannett from the Telewag is reporting that it might not be the end of our business today either.

More likely someone leaving rather than coming in?

Maybe Palmer loan extension ?

Don't know anything  about the two guys so won't be wetting me pants just yet but hope they turn out to be good signings.
Hope Jolley can play right or left mid. If so would have him streight in the side for Arnold or Mackreth

Excellent news, they are only under contract to the end of the season, but no point looking much beyond that

Quoted from Youngy

Matt Dannett from the Telewag is reporting that it might not be the end of our business today either.

Lets get Palmer in until the end of the season

I think our best team now is:

McKeown

Magnay
Toto
Pearson
Robertson

MacKreth
Disley
Brown
Jolley

Lenny
Palmer

I think Watson will be on his way now. Neilson's chances may be limited as well. I'd like to see more Paddy in midfield with Diz

Small video interview with the Telegraph up now >> [url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/WATCH-New-signing-Christian-Jolley-talks-Grimsby/story-25924182-detail/story.html]http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/WATCH-New-signing-Christian-Jolley-talks-Grimsby/story-25924182-detail/story.html[/url]

If we are really serious about finish top, we need at least 3 new signings a day.  Sort it Hurst.  ;D

A good signing Christian Jolley a few of us was hoping he signed for us a couple of seasons a go. We needed another winger because we have played Mackreth and Arnold a lot recently and Arnold looks like he could do with a couple of games rest bar is is game against Barnet his performances have dropped a bit, i know we still have Neilson i think he can still play a big part along with Rossy Hannah but obviously there game time has been limited its  a shame with Hannah seems injuries have took there toll on him and he's lost a bit of a yard but can help out to the end of the season.

Quoted from SamTheMariner

I think our best team now is:

McKeown

Magnay
Toto
Pearson
Robertson

MacKreth
Disley
Brown
Jolley

Lenny
Palmer

I think Watson will be on his way now. Neilson's chances may be limited as well. I'd like to see more Paddy in midfield with Diz

Jolley is a striker. Definitely not a winger.


Let's hope he has improved since his unimpressive spell at FGR. Hopefully he gets a run of games up front.

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

Small video interview with the Telegraph up now >> [url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/WATCH-New-signing-Christian-Jolley-talks-Grimsby/story-25924182-detail/story.html]http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/WATCH-New-signing-Christian-Jolley-talks-Grimsby/story-25924182-detail/story.html[/url]

Always flipping windy at Cheapside!

I thought that Jolley was older than 26 which was why County were getting rid of him.

Great signing!!

Well if this does not show our intent i don't know what does, well done Hurst and Fenty now to really give this final run in one to remember must give the rest of the lads a boost to know we are serious about getting back in the league proper. Now it's up to us to give them some support make BP a lions den.

come on up the feckin mariners!!!

Hell of a squad now, some real good players vying for a place in the team, looking good for the rest of the season UTM

Both these look quality signings and will  improves the squad and the team.

I think it gives the fans a big boost as well just when we were resigning ourselves to another probable play off failure. Credit to the manager and JF for making it happen.

We have been ok at the back for the most part this season and Robertson will presumably just slot in for Thomas. Parslow now provides cover.

Scoring goals has been a bit of a problem (as it has in recent seasons) but when you look at the attacking talent we have now, add loan of Palmer who looks pretty good so far, there really is no excuse.
Dont know what if means to Palmers future at BP but i would keep him to the end of the season as well.

so we have to pick from up front:
LJL
JPP
Palmer
Jolley
Arnold
Hannah
Watson

Compares well with anyone else's options.

7 strikers...even Man City dont have that many. Can a Conference side carry that many? Expect one or two will be allowed to go out on loan or permanently.

I know it's asking a lot but I would really love it if we could keep Olley Palmer at least until the seasons end. He is a talisman and as already proved a hit with the fans but more than this his presence gives others time and space. He also holds the ball up brilliantly giving our defence a rest wins the ball and chases everything.

Our performances and results usually deteriorate from the 1 Jan.  This year the trend is to maintain the good form from earlier in the season.  Let us hope that results continue at Eastleigh and the new players make a very positive difference to the end of the season.  

Quoted from fiveallive

A good signing Christian Jolley a few of us was hoping he signed for us a couple of seasons a go. We needed another winger because we have played Mackreth and Arnold a lot recently and Arnold looks like he could do with a couple of games rest bar is is game against Barnet his performances have dropped a bit, i know we still have Neilson i think he can still play a big part along with Rossy Hannah but obviously there game time has been limited its  a shame with Hannah seems injuries have took there toll on him and he's lost a bit of a yard but can help out to the end of the season.

Rest? He's played about a dozen games this season.

If he needs a rest, there's something wrong with him.

Quoted from ginnywings

Rest? He's played about a dozen games this season.

If he needs a rest, there's something wrong with him.

There is something wrong with him. He's bone idle

Quoted from BottesfordMariner

Both these look quality signings and will  improves the squad and the team.

I think it gives the fans a big boost as well just when we were resigning ourselves to another probable play off failure. Credit to the manager and JF for making it happen.

We have been ok at the back for the most part this season and Robertson will presumably just slot in for Thomas. Parslow now provides cover.

Scoring goals has been a bit of a problem (as it has in recent seasons) but when you look at the attacking talent we have now, add loan of Palmer who looks pretty good so far, there really is no excuse.
Dont know what if means to Palmers future at BP but i would keep him to the end of the season as well.

so we have to pick from up front:
LJL
JPP
Palmer
Jolley
Arnold
Hannah
Watson

Compares well with anyone else's options.

7 strikers...even Man City dont have that many. Can a Conference side carry that many? Expect one or two will be allowed to go out on loan or permanently.

If we play three that might be an ok number, tho I think Watson is looking like "one for the future". Hannah doesn't seem to suit a three though.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I don't want to be negative but lets just take a step back, it does not matter what they have done in the past it is what they are going to do for GTFC in the coming months.

I remember all the posts about Mackreth how he was a great signing, one of the best wingers in the division, tore us a new when when we played Macclesfield etc etc etc but in reality he is not much of an improvement on Colbeck.

Lets hope they will greatly improve the squad and even maybe help us make a challenge for top spot.

I agree.

Really hope the signings are as good as they look on paper. If Jolley is anything like he was 2 seasons ago then he will be excellent.
Robertson has good experience and should be match fit
I honestly thought Brodie was going to be the jam on our cake and see us over the line 2 years ago and that didn't turn out too well.

I guess I fear that with so many options PH ends up swapping and changing each week rather than getting some continuity and partnerships

Two excellent signings on paper! I really hope Hurst sticks with 442, with Palmer (hopefully till the end of the season) and LJL up front and Jolley on the right. Mackreth has done ok recently, but I don't think he is good enough for a team that wants promotion.

Jolly was instrumental in Newport's promotion and was certainly a stand out player against us.  If he shows the same form for us this will be a great signing and if we don't get automatic promotion then the play off's just got a bit more interesting.

Quoted from Marinerz93

Jolly was instrumental in Newport's promotion and was certainly a stand out player against us.  If he shows the same form for us this will be a great signing and if we don't get automatic promotion then the play off's just got a bit more interesting.

Christian Jolleys achievements ;

AFC Wimbledon play off winners.

2 years later.

Newport County play off winters

2 years later

Grimsby Town...

Quoted from arryarryarry

I don't want to be negative but lets just take a step back, it does not matter what they have done in the past it is what they are going to do for GTFC in the coming months.

I remember all the posts about Mackreth how he was a great signing, one of the best wingers in the division, tore us a new when when we played Macclesfield etc etc etc but in reality he is not much of an improvement on Colbeck.

Lets hope they will greatly improve the squad and even maybe help us make a challenge for top spot.

Christ some more Mackreth bashing again? He's currently having a really good run in the side after a slowish start. Nothing dramatically shite, the guy has the joint most assists and has chipped in with 3 goals too, Joe Colbeck scored 4 in his whole career for us.

People talk about not slagging off players because it dents confidence seem perfectly happy to do it when it suits them.

On for Jolley, he may not had done it lately but I'm hopeful there's still a player in there. My big worry is, where is this player actually going to fit in? Robertson seems a cracking signing though, great pedigree.

Quoted from TAGG

There is something wrong with him. He's bone idle

A bit harsh but he can drift in and out of the game, reminds me of Peter Bore its all there but sometimes it isn`t if you get my point

One improvement we needed was from corners and set pieces hopefully Robertson and Palmer should address this bring it on. Hurst now has lots of options really looking forward to the rest of the season now. We look a bigger outfit more able to do battle we will treat to take every game as a cup final, especially at home we need to dominate more.

On the plus side - January has recently been the start of a struggle for Town to make a consistent run in for promotion and we have either made no signings or we have made mistaken signings like Brodie. These two lads look as though they could make a positive impact not least by increasing the competition for places.

On the plus side - the supporters have been waiting for ages with tongues hanging out for a sign of intent from the manager and the club. This double signing goes a long way towards enthusing the fans, especially as the side is already a winning one, they could be the icing on the cake.

On the minus side - the manager has a reputation for tinkering, playing about with his formations and being too defensively minded. If he slots these signings into the current side playing a pressing and attacking game then the momentum will continue. If he messes about with Jolley it won't give him chance to show what he can do and he will be a wasted asset. Let's hope he is allowed to do for us what he did for Newport.

Matt Dannatt tweeted something about it not being the only business we're going to do. Another new player or Palmer until the end of the season?

Quoted from davmariner

Matt Dannatt tweeted something about it not being the only business we're going to do. Another new player or Palmer until the end of the season?

'Led to believe that today might not be the end to #GTFC's business either. We'll see...'

Quoted from pontoonlew

Christ some more Mackreth bashing again? He's currently having a really good run in the side after a slowish start. Nothing dramatically shite, the guy has the joint most assists and has chipped in with 3 goals too, Joe Colbeck scored 4 in his whole career for us.

People talk about not slagging off players because it dents confidence seem perfectly happy to do it when it suits them.

On for Jolley, he may not had done it lately but I'm hopeful there's still a player in there. My big worry is, where is this player actually going to fit in? Robertson seems a cracking signing though, great pedigree.

Just wondered how many games you actually get to see, yes he has popped up with a couple of goals recently but his overall play in games has been poor in my opinion as was the case last Saturday.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Christ some more Mackreth bashing again? He's currently having a really good run in the side after a slowish start. Nothing dramatically shite, the guy has the joint most assists and has chipped in with 3 goals too, Joe Colbeck scored 4 in his whole career for us.

People talk about not slagging off players because it dents confidence seem perfectly happy to do it when it suits them.

On for Jolley, he may not had done it lately but I'm hopeful there's still a player in there. My big worry is, where is this player actually going to fit in? Robertson seems a cracking signing though, great pedigree.

I assume you are trying to compare the constant vile abuse john Lewis experienced last season with a one off post that actually doesn't personally abuse or really even criticise the player- just highlight how signings on paper don't always rip the league apart for whatever reason.

macreath wasn't the main point in his post. His main point was to be wary until players actually start performing to levels they have previously reached.  He could of easily used many other players as an example. It's in fact more of a dig at fans getting over excited during every transfer window thinking our latest signing is going to win the ballon d'or.

It isn't exactly the same as the repeated unjustified abuse, that verged on bullying that john Lewis got last season.

It still annoys me when I think of the treatment that john Lewis got from a certain small section of the fans. Great credit to him as a player and a person to turn that around and become one of our best players this season.

We may have to cut  Jolley a bit of slack as he has not played since mid Nov.  might get an hour out of him or he may be on the bench to come on later in the game.

Well done john Fenty and Paul Hurst. Magnificent!

Hell, yeah!

We now have the squad to stay in the play offs, and the talent to beat any of the three teams we will face there. So I think we have a great chance now.

But then again I am the eternal optimist.